The identities of Russia and Japan after the Cold War (1991-2015)

The article analyzes the points of intersection between the Japanese and Russian social and cultural realities directly linking to national identity. The analysis is based on the opinion polls, representing different views of the Japanese and Russians on themselves and on the outside world. The author marks an inclination towards conservative values in both identities. The events in Kiev, Russia’s reunification with the Crimea, the civil war in the South-East of Ukraine have defined the contours of Russian identity much more precisely, unlocking the archetypal layers of historical memory of the Russians. By 2015, new features started to shape in the Japanese consciousness. There is a growing belief in the uniqueness of Japanese society, the Japanese are increasingly wary with media and are increasingly respectful towards the Emperor, while failing to demonstrate a reliable historical memory.